by Damien Sharkov
Caravanning has long provided a respite for holiday makers preferring to get closer to nature than bury themselves in the tourist traps of some urban metropolis.
For caravanners at Dovercourt Caravan Park, in Essex, however, nature may have overstepped its boundaries as a Harris hawk entangled itself in one of the campsite’s trees, 34 feet from the ground.
The rare bird was discovered by one of the park’s guards, who immediately called Katrina Myers, from Colchester Owl Rescue in Rowhedge. Katrina arrived promptly but was too short to reach the trapped hawk.
Her husband, Dave, came to the rescue, despite his fear of heights. He reached for the bird as the ominous sound of Katrina’s Mission Impossible theme tune ring tone began to sound. The bird became restless.
“It knew it was going to be handled,” said Mrs Myers, “and it freaked out. As soon as my husband got it wrapped up, she went ballistic.”
After several attempts Dave managed to get a hold of the bird. It is reported to have suffered scrapes but no broken bones and Katrina is now hoping to return the hawk to its rightful owner.
It is unclear as of yet whether the female hawk has been used as for pest control or as a breeding bird.
Bailey Approach Compact to debut at NCC Motorhome and Caravan show
by Myron Jobson
Caravan manufacturer Bailey of Bristol is set to debut it’s latest 2014 motorhome at the hotly anticipated NCC Motorhome and Caravan show at the Birmingham NEC in October.
The aptly named Approach Compact, based on the Peugeot Boxer Euro-5 cab is designed with flexibility and space optimisation in mind without compromising the ease of use and ensuring relatively low running costs.
The new model is compact indeed at just 5.99m long and 2.15m wide but surprisingly can house footballer Peter Crouch, boasting a headroom of up to 6’9″.
The two-berth Compact 520 layout features a front lounge, central kitchen and washroom plus a raised rear fixed double bed with garage storage underneath.
The four berth Compact 540 option comes with a full-width end washroom, a central kitchen and a coverable front lounge with a drop down double bed located above.
The kitchen is equipped with an anti-rattle oven/grill combi and a three burner gas-hob. The high end washroom contains a fully lined shower cubicle containing an energy-saving EcoCamel shower system.
These motorhome are “ideally suited for the modern day adventurer”, Bailey claims as they are powered by a 2.2 Hdi 130 bhp engine complete with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Both models also boast a new ultra-low profile lightweight AL-KO AMC chassis, providing a more balance weight distribution which improves road-holding and braking efficiency.
The Approach Compact is kitted out with all the comforts you’d expect from a Bailey motorhome including fully adjustable front swivel seats with twin arm rests, opening sunroof, air conditioning and cruise control.
The body is made using Bailey’s famed Alu-Tech system construction system, complete with a GRP outer skin and under-floor protection, which creates a lighter, more durable and robust vehicle.
Other notable features include a digitally controlled Alde radiator heating system, 105Ah auxiliary Banner battery, hidden in a convenient under floor storage compartment, and a separate 90-litre external fresh water and waste tank.
As ever, safety is an integral element in the construction of the luxurious mobile home. Key safety features include twin cab bags, fitted rear three point seat belts and the installation of premium quality Michelin tyres following successful completion of a crash test research programme at the Millbrook Proving Ground.
The Approach Compact will premiere at the NCC Motorhome and Caravan show at Birmingham NEC from 15-20 October.
Caravan owners stranded following Fiddlers Ferry bridge collapse
by Tom Walsh
The collapse of Fiddlers Ferry bridge in Warrington has left caravan owners in a conundrum as they are unable to reach their pitches.
Runcorn and Widnes World reports that the bridge offers the main access point to a trading estate in the area but collapsed on 5 September, when a lorry drove through it and fell into the St Helens canal.
Despite concerns from caravan owners and businesses, which fear bankruptcy due to the lack of access, the bridge is not due to be replaced until November.
Phillip Parker, owner of Fiddlers Ferry Caravans, told the news provider: “Basically we are stuck. The council’s failure to act will see all of the businesses go bankrupt.
“I’m getting it in the neck from customers who are upset because they can’t come and pick up their caravans.”
At a time when some people will be looking to get one last getaway in before the winter arrives, the collapse of the bridge is causing owners a major headache.
Brave cancer-fighter child to buy caravan in memory of late friend
by Myron Jobson
A brave four-year-old boy who suffers from a rare cancer is spearheading a fundraising campaign aimed at buying a caravan to allow children with the illness a place to take short breaks.
Kian Armstrong was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the tender age of two and spent a bulk of his young life receiving treatment in the childhood cancer unit at The Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.
He met Zara, another child battling the deadly disease, who would soon become his close friend, developing a unique bond and spending Valentines Day side by side in hospital beds.
The inspirational duo went on a short break to Haven’s Haggerston Castle caravan site before Zara lost her battle with cancer, in March.
Now holding this caravan site dear to his heart in memory of his late friend, the unselfish child told mum, Jemma, he wanted to buy a caravan at the site so that children in similar situations can enjoy a retreat with their families.
Eager to grant Kian’s wish, Jemma and husband Neil are raising funds by organising fundraising events such as sponsored sky dives, and by selling wristbands and other merchandise.
For more information on the fundraising campaign, including details of how to get involved, visit his Facebook page.
VIDEO: Swift Group ups the luxury with 2014 Conqueror and Elite ranges
by Chris Jefferies
When it comes to luxury, the Swift Group collection’s two stand-out offerings are the Swift Conqueror and the Sterling Elite.
For years now these ranges have stood for the pinnacle of quality, comfort and reliability.
In time for the 2014 season, these tourers have been given an significant update, with a classic white exterior and several clever features.
For full details of the new Swift Conqueror range click here.
But the biggest change is one that you can’t see, as all 2014 Swift Conquerors and Sterling Elites will come with the company’s new ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/swift/smart-construction.htm">Smart Construction, which uses PURe (a type of polyurethane) to replace all the timber in the framework.
In this video, we catch up with Nick Page, Commercial Director at Swift Group, to find out what sets these luxury caravans apart from the crowd.
He talks us through the interior design and practical features, from the yacht-inspired high-gloss locker doors to the LED lighting and the Alde central heating system.
VIDEO: Style and design in the Bailey Approach Autograph range
by Chris Jefferies
When it comes to motorhomes, there is a wide variety in terms of styling, with bold modern designs sitting alongside more traditional looks.
In the Bailey Approach range, the company has gone for a two distinct looks: the traditional coachbuilt looks of the Approach SE and the sleeker sporty styling of the new Approach Autograph.
CaravanTimes has been catching up with Wendy Hughes from Bailey of Bristol to get an insight into the styling of the new range.
We take a look at the two choices of upholstery available and find out about the thinking behind the exterior look.
What’s more, we explore the L-shaped kitchen area and the enhancements that have been made with chefs in mind.
Wendy explains the ‘kitchen work triangle’ and how this design helps to make cooking in your motorhome more efficient.
VIDEO: What you need in an essential caravan starter pack
by Myron Jobson
The inadequate feeling of leaving something essential behind before embarking on a caravan holiday is common.
In this video CaravanTimes speaks to Neil Greentree, General Manager of Greentrees Adventure store, to find out what first-time caravanners should take on their first trip.
Some of the most essential items included in a caravan holiday ‘starter pack’ includes gas canisters, water containers and security items and mirrors.
Caravanners are advised to remember to bring both the pink and blue toilet chemicals; the former is responsible for cleaning the bowl and the latter breaks down the waste for disposal.
Security is something insurance companies insist on so it is important to choose the best and most appropriate security for your caravan or motorhome, Neil stresses.
From wheel clamps to hitch locks, there are plenty of security options to suit your lifestyle, location and campervan.
Thanks to ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.greentrees-adventurestore.co.uk/" target="_blank">Greentrees Adventurestore and ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.towergateinsurance.co.uk/" target="_blank" Rel="NoFollow">Towergate Insurance for their help with this video.
Archbishop of York John Sentamu pays Swift Group HQ a visit
by Tom Walsh
It’s not every day that a company is visited by one of the key members of the church but that is what happened to Swift Group recently.
The leading caravan firm was paid a visit by Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, on Friday (13 September) at its headquarters in Cottingham, East Yorkshire.
Dr Sentamu was keen on finding out how the caravan industry was coping with the tough economic climate that the UK has found itself in at the moment.
He was shown round the site by Amy Archer, deputy managing director, and took the opportunity to speak to many employees to get an idea of the pressure that companies are facing on a day-to-day basis.
James Turner, managing director of Swift Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Archbishop Sentamu to the Swift Group and grateful for his continued interest and support of the company, the industry and our employees.”
Peak District to make room for two new camping and caravanning sites
by Tom Walsh
Walkers, climbers and cyclists visiting the Peak District will soon have two more options to camp down for the night.
Planners have approved two new camping and caravanning sites in the area with the first being a catered facility situated at Hazel Barrow Farm, Upper Hulme, in the Staffordshire Moorlands. It sits not too far from The Roaches, popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
The site will be able to accommodate 13 tent pitches but will be closed during the spring and summer bird nesting season to protect the wildlife.
Officials also gave the green light to a second application for camping and caravanning at a pub close to the Pennine Bridleway and High Peak Trail.
Ten caravan pitches and 30 tent pitches will be made available at the Bull i’th’ Thorn pub, next to the A515 Buxton to Ashbourne road.
Councillor Lesley Roberts, chair of the planning committee, said: “In approving both developments we have put in place conditions that address local people’s concerns and that on balance will improve these sites in the national park landscape.”
It is hoped that the decision will bring more visitors to the area.
Public to decide the name of new Wellhouse campervan
by Myron Jobson
Wellhouse Leisure has announce a new Ford based campervan which will be launched at the Motorhome and Caravan show in October and called. whatever you decide.
Confused? Wellhouse has given the public the opportunity to decide the name of their new caravan based on the Ford Tourneo Custom.
The caravan company tweeted: “Our new Ford Tourneo custom campervan needs a name. Pls send suggestions to ford@wellhouseleisure.com”
The new Ford-based campervan will be available from a five dealers after launch. Full prices and specification will be released at the hotly anticipated NCC Motorhome and Caravan show, which runs at the Birmingham NEC from 15-20 October.
First deliveries to customers are expected from late November.
“There has been a huge amount of interest in our new Ford Tourneo Custom campervan, and we’ve already taken two orders before we even have one to show anyone, so our agents are really looking forward to getting their first deliveries later in the year,” David Elliott, Wellhouse Leisure’s managing director said.
Have you ever dreamt of naming a caravan? So have we. Let us know your suggestions in the comments section below or e-mail them directly to ford@wellhouseleisure.com.
VIDEO: The 1974 fifth wheel caravan you can tow with a VW Beetle
by Damien Sharkov
With this year’s Caravan and Motorhome show at the Birmingham NEC fast approaching we at CaravanTimes cannot wait to see some of the caravan designs of the future.
A certain design from 1974 has come to our attention, however, as we question if the caravan of the future has not, in fact, already been invented.
This fifth wheel caravan (pictured right) is tailored to the aerodynamic design of the VW Beetle, allowing the vehicle to rotate completely while hitched up.
An attachment on the roof the car connects the car to the caravan and the light weight construction and hitch assembly distributes the weight evenly.
The unit contains a full bathroom, kitchen and closet space and according to the manufacturers enough room to accommodate four adults overnight, or two adults and three children.
However, when it comes to using a 40-year-old VW Beetle as a towcar, fuel consumption leaves something to be desired, as the presenter claims he got less than 20mpg.
What do you think of the VW 1974 caravan? Is it an overlooked gem or a gimmick better left in the past? Take a look at the video below to make up your mind:
East Lindsey District Council ‘ignored caravan site expansion concerns’
by Tom Walsh
Chapel St Leonards Parish Council has passed a vote of no confidence in East Lindsey District Council after it reportedly ignored planning concerns put forward by the parish.
Skegness Standard reports that parish council claimed that a number of comments it has raised about planning matters, including fears over caravan site expansions were “consistently ignored”.
The final straw allegedly came this week when permission was granted for the siting of 83 touring caravans and 204 static caravans at the Golden Palm resort in Chapel St Leonards.
This is despite the parish raising concerns about the “detrimental impact” the infrastructure could have on the community.
A spokesperson for the council told the newspaper: “Such agreements usually provide financial compensation to the community, but in this case the agreement only allowed residents of Chapel St Leonards to pay to use the swimming pool at Golden Palm, or to purchase discounted season tickets to the resort.”
Chairman of Chapel St Leonards Parish Council, councillor Patrick Naughton said that this was just the latest objection raised by the council, adding that “there was a strong public voice about the proliferation of caravans in Chapel”.
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